Breakthrough immunotherapy saves patient with stage 4 colon cancer

Two years ago, Emma Dimery received devastating news: her stage 4 colon cancer was considered incurable. At just 23 years old, she was facing a grim prognosis. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and various combination therapies, the cancer continued to spread throughout her body, leaving her feeling like she was running out of options.

After years of treatment-resistant cancer and feeling like she was at a low point, Dimery found a glimmer of hope in a last-resort clinical trial at the University of Minnesota. Led by Dr. Emil Lou, the trial tested an experimental genetic therapy that targeted the insides of cancer cells, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to enhance the body’s immune response against the cancer.

Dimery, who had exhausted all other treatment options, eagerly joined the trial, hoping for a breakthrough. The process was grueling at times, with challenging side effects, but Dimery remained optimistic, surrounded by a supportive care team.

The results of the trial were nothing short of remarkable. After just one infusion of the engineered cells, Dimery was pronounced cancer-free. Dr. Lou described her response as unprecedented, noting that achieving a clinical complete response in advanced colorectal cancer is extremely rare.

Two years after the trial, Dimery continues to thrive. Her scans show no evidence of disease, and she is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the groundbreaking research that saved her life. While she hesitates to use the word “cure,” Dimery’s story serves as a beacon of hope for other patients facing similar challenges.

At the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, Dimery’s case was presented as a testament to the potential of innovative treatments in transforming the landscape of cancer care. Dr. Lou emphasized the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer, especially as the incidence of early-onset cases continues to rise.

Dimery encourages others to stay informed and connected to the cancer community, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing to determine eligibility for clinical trials. Her message of hope and resilience serves as a reminder that groundbreaking treatments are offering new possibilities for cancer patients, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.